ESPN: Modrić named among best athletes of 21st century
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Luka Modrić
The captain of the Croatian national team, Luka Modrić (38), has been chosen as one of the top 100 athletes of the 21st century according to the votes of over 70,000 ESPN readers.
In a large survey conducted by the American media outlet, readers placed Modrić at 55th position, ahead of many notable football players.
Kylian Mbappe is ranked 65th, Andres Iniesta is 70th, Xavi is 75th, Ronaldo Nazario is 87th, Ronaldinho is 94th, and Zlatan Ibrahimović is 95th.
Currently, the list up to the 51st position has been revealed, and ESPN will announce the complete results of the survey in the coming days.
Some of the Croatian’s key accomplishments include being a Ballon d’Or recipient, six-time Champions League champion, four-time LaLiga champion, World Cup runner-up, Croatia’s most capped player, and joint-highest number of trophies with Real Madrid.
57. Calvin Johnson
— ESPN (@espn) July 16, 2024
60. Candace Parker
63. Allyson Felix
65. Kylian Mbappé
We’re revealing athletes 51-75 of our top 100 athletes of the 21st century: https://t.co/3sJCRQ2J4j
Modrić is universally adored, writes ESPN.
“More than any other player, Modrić was pivotal in establishing Madrid’s relentless winning ethos over the past decade. There’s no single defining moment—except possibly leading underdog Croatia to the World Cup final in 2018—but rather a continual display of excellence year after year.”
The full list, which includes both male and female athletes, can be viewed here.
